Deepwater pipelaying global dynamics

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Pipeline Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6416041

Brando, P; Bianchi, S

Using a 1:18.6 scale model of Saipem's Castoro Sei (a semisubmersible pipelay ship), stress-analysis engineers studied the ship's behavior to predict and improve its operational limits (environmental conditions requiring that pipe welding be stopped and abandonment procedures started). The main parameters measured defining the vessel's operational limits were (1) relative motions of the pipe and vessel due to tensioner action; (2) ramp rollers reactions or pipe rollers impact, and (3) dynamic pipe stresses. From the tank test results, designers reduced the ship's vertical response (heave, pitch, and roll) by optimizing the shape and dimensions; trimmed the horizontal motion (surge, roll, and yaw) by commanding the winches, thrusters, and tensioners with a computer-assisted automation system; and improved the pipe behavior by optimizing the static configuration acting with the pivoting ramp and adjustable ramp supports. A dynamic global pipelaying program containing the following programs - pipe configuration optimization, anchor planning, ship simulation, pipe simulation, and spectral and statistical analysis - was synthesized to evaluate experimental data from an operational test and actual pipelaying contracts in water depths ranging from 66 to 2000 ft (20 to 600 m).

• OSTI ID: 6416041
• Journal Information: Pipeline Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Pipeline Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 209; ISSN PLGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420205* -- Engineering-- Transport & Storage Facilities-- (1980-)
DYNAMICS
INSTALLATION
LEVELS
MECHANICS
MOTION
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
PIPELINES
SHIPS
SIMULATION
UNDERWATER